
HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro has praised students from the University of Togdheer for winning the 2026 National Youth Technology Innovation Competition.
He described their achievement as an inspiration for young people across Somaliland.
President Irro received the winning students at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa. The Somaliland presidency announced the meeting in an official statement.
University of Togdheer Wins National Technology Competition
The final round brought together teams from three universities: the University of Borama, FFU University and the University of Togdheer.
The University of Togdheer emerged as the overall winner of the competition.
President Irro congratulated all students who took part. He praised their creativity, knowledge and technical skills.
He said the university’s victory was more than an institutional achievement. It was also a source of inspiration for young people across Somaliland.
The president described educated and technology-skilled youth as a key force in national development.
Government Pledges Support for Youth Innovation
President Irro said his Wadajir and Waxqabad administration was committed to supporting innovation, research and technology development.
He also called for stronger cooperation between universities, businesses and government institutions.
Such partnerships, he said, could help turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. These solutions could benefit society and strengthen the national economy.
The reception was attended by the minister and director general of the Ministry of Communication and Technology. The minister of the presidency and the president of the University of Togdheer also attended.
Officials praised the students for their achievements and the projects presented during the competition. They also congratulated the University of Togdheer team on winning the 2026 national title.
President Urges Youth to Become Technology Creators
The president stressed the need for greater investment in education and innovation.
He said his government would give priority to supporting young people. It would also work to create opportunities for them to turn their skills into jobs and practical solutions.
President Irro urged young people not to limit themselves to learning about technology.
Instead, he encouraged them to develop new ideas, create lasting solutions and generate employment opportunities. He said young innovators had an important role in advancing Somaliland’s development.
The president said the University of Togdheer’s victory was not only a success for the institution. It was also an achievement that should inspire all young people in Somaliland.
He concluded by stressing that Somaliland needs a generation that does not simply wait for the future but works to create it.
HornPost Staff Reporter
Website: https://www.hornpost.com
Email: info@hornpost.com
Abdikarim Saed Salah
Abdikarim Saed Salah is Editor-in-Chief and Founder of HornPost.com, an independent Hargeisa-based news platform covering Somaliland, the Horn of Africa, East Africa, the Red Sea and international affairs. A journalist, television presenter, producer and geopolitical analyst, he has more than 15 years of experience in broadcast journalism, digital media, reporting and diplomacy. He works with Horn Cable TV and focuses on politics, elections, security, foreign policy and conflict. He holds a BA in Journalism and an MA in International Relations.

